Purdue’s Three‑Point Ambition
Purdue University plans to attempt the most three‑point shots in school history during the 2026‑27 season, a strategy that builds on a ball‑movement philosophy championed by Coach Matt Painter. The approach follows a 2022‑23 campaign that produced the most efficient offense in college basketball, but Painter acknowledges that the loss of Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman‑Renn and Fletcher Loyer removes a traditional post‑up presence. Instead, the Boilermakers will rely on a perimeter‑centric attack that emphasizes deep shooting and rapid ball circulation.
A Revamped Roster
The returning core includes Antione West Jr., who led the team in scoring on a recent Canada trip, and redshirt freshman Antione West Jr. (the same player) who continues to develop as a primary scorer. Incoming freshmen Luke Ertel and Jacob Webber arrive as elite three‑point shooters, with Webber hitting 11‑of‑22 from beyond the arc during the Canada excursion. Caden Pierce and Jack Benter are expected to anchor the frontcourt, while Daniel Jacobsen, a 7‑foot‑4 center, showed promise but lacks the physicality to dominate Big Ten competition. Mayer remains the early favorite at point guard, though Luke Ertel’s scoring ability could push him for minutes.
Indiana’s Portal Upgrade
Indiana has bolstered its roster through the transfer portal, adding Alabama alum Aiden Sherrell and Duke graduate Darren Harris. Both players bring improved athleticism and shooting, with Sherrell earning MVP honors at the FISU America Games and expected to strengthen defensive rebounding and offensive balance. Coach Darian DeVries hopes the new pieces will allow the Hoosiers to generate more paint touches and move away from a one‑dimensional offense that defined last season. The team’s tall lineup also faced a setback when center Samet Yigitoglu missed the FISU America Games trip, raising questions about depth.
Cincinnati’s Defensive Shift
New Cincinnati coach Jerrod Calhoun has instituted a disruptive defensive scheme that forces turnovers and fuels a high‑assist offense built on ball movement. Myles Colvin, a former Purdue/Wake Forest guard, has emerged as a breakout candidate, shooting 7‑of‑11 from three and scoring 25 points in summer exhibitions, underscoring the potential of the Bearcats’ revamped attack.